Putting straws in Stellenbosch’s past

Stellenbosch University (SU) student, Courtney Fagg, is encouraging Stellenbosch to refuse the use of plastic straws. Fagg has started conducting a survey in Stellenbosch called “Refuse the Straw” to gather information related to the use of straws in local restaurants.

“The survey will gather information regarding people’s prior knowledge on straws, their willingness to change from plastic and their vote on restaurants using alternatives,” said Fagg.

The survey was designed for the public and the results will be presented to local Stellenbosch restaurants to promote the disuse of plastic straws.

“The plan is to approach restaurants and provide them with reliable results, the facts about straws and suppliers of alternatives,” she added.

According to Fagg’s research, most plastic straws contain an industrial chemical called bisphenol A (BPA), which means that they cannot be recycled.

“Straws are often too lightweight to make it through the mechanical recycling sorter, and collect as garbage which ends up polluting our oceans,” explained Fagg. In addition to this, she claimed that 50% of animals that ingest plastic from the ocean die.

“It is time to seriously reconsider and disband the production and usage of plastic straws”

Another SU student maintains this perspective. Matt Kiln has started selling stainless steel straws to students in an attempt to combat the usage of plastic straws and the effects they have on the environment.

“Stainless steel can be recycled very easily and it has an infinite lifespan,” said Kiln. “There is a need in the market for these straws and, as young people growing up, there is an opportunity for us to make a difference and see that plastic straws really are a thing of the past.”

Some Stellenbosch restaurants have also taken on the “refuse the straw” initiative by using alternatives to plastic straws. Deluxe Coffeeworks, located on Dorp Street is now using paper straws. Manager, Marinus Wijnbeek, said that the coffee shop switched to paper straws two months ago. “Straws are stupid,” said Wijnbeek. Wijnbeek asserted that an ideal situation would be for people to also use paper cups and lids which, like straws, are also single use items.

Joostenberg Bistro at Klein Joostenberg Wine Farm has also stopped their use of plastic straws by using an interesting alternative. Daughter of the owners of the restaurant, Claire Dehosse, stated that the restaurant uses straws made from sugar cane husks which are decomposable.

Fagg believes it would be remarkable to see Stellenbosch restaurants take initiative and stop using plastic straws.

“This small change would have massive implications in protecting our environment and sea life, while also creating a domino effect of enlightenment,” she said.

Photo: Gizellede Götz

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GVB Protest Opinions

Paballo Thabethe

“I feel so strongly this. Because I personally come from a background where my mom was abused, all of this triggers a lot of emotions. I feel so strongly about this topic, and about asking Stellenbosch to stand up, because Stellenbosch was usually a university that barricaded such issues. I feel like the fact that we are out here, speaking about it, is a step in the right direction.”

Leo Figueira

“For me, it was very apparent that there were not a lot of men, and specifically white men, at this rally. That is the main thing that, as a white man, stood out for me. The lack of concern on the faces of the management was also very clear. The general anger, fear, frustration and anxiety was very apparent, and I think it came out in a way that it needed to come out. This will hopefully resonate with the rest of the community.”

Elode Duvenhage

“I feel like the management, at times, was not listening or engaging. There was no understanding. In a way I do understand that it is horrible to be screamed at by students and then having to respond, but just trying to show a little more sympathy would have been nicer. Another question is: how come they are only listening to us now? This started years ago, and these issues shouldn’t be dealt with now, on the last day of the third term. Also, and many people brought this up, this is a situation where students must choose between human rights or marks. It is not fair to place that on students who want both.”

Kaiser Aryee

“I was initially playing devil’s advocate, because I thought that this is an educational institution, and if there is no major obstruction, we should continue as normal. But as I got here and the officials addressed us, I felt that there was a sense of apathy – I don’t think they are on the ground enough with students, and that is what they get paid for. I can’t play devil’s advocate as much as I previously could. Our officials can definitely do more for us. We need more engagement with students. I am sick of emails – it is the most impersonal way to address people. I feel like, as a leader, you should be able to use your critical thinking skills, which you should have if you are in that position, to think up solutions – you can’t just go in circles when people are dissatisfied.”

Mieke Verster

“Administratively, the students are more prepared than the management. This is not right, because obviously it is our jobs at university to study, to learn and gain knowledge, and it is theirs to look after us. And I can understand the frustration of students – but of course, it is also frustrating when the crowd starts to talk in circles. I think we need to channel that energy into finding solutions – not because it is our job as students, but because, clearly it is not happening.”

Anon.

“I feel like the management should have supported us more – like, for example, by organising transport to protests. I also think that residence heads should have been here today. I feel like they are making it a you-problem. They could also have given better options for people missing assessments to go to the protests. I am from the biggest female residence, and I can tell you now that only a small fraction of us are present today.”